Are you and your patients still confused about ObamaCare? Does your office staff have the basic ObamaCare insurance information to provide to patients?
Here is a list of facts that are important for your patients to know:
1. You must have health insurance.
2. You can shop on line for insurance.
3. You can apply in person or with the use of a “health navigator” which are located in many clinics and hospitals.
4. You have a choice of insurance plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum
5. Cost sharing subsidies are available for single people who make less than $28,725 or for a family of 4 making less than $58,875.
6. You may qualify for no cost or low cost care if you make less than $15,856 or $52,499 for a family of 4.
7. Young adults have more insurance options since they can stay on their parents’ health insurance until the age of 26.
8. You can stay with your employer’s health insurance plan.
9. Health plans must include the basics: emergency services, hospitalization, maternity, newborn care, doctors visits, laboratory services and prescription drugs.
10. You can get insurance coverage even if you are sick.
11. Your coverage can no longer have a cap on how much it will pay.
12. Preventive care is free such as flu shots, cholesterol testing, and colon cancer screening.
13. Contraception is covered.
14. Many health plans will provide incentives for patients to stay healthy and provide premium reductions for a healthy lifestyle.
15. Smokers can get help quitting.
16. Open enrollment is now until March 31, 2014. To have coverage on January 1, you must enroll by December 15, 2013.
17. Beware of scammers. Patients should be warned not to provide any information unless they know who they are talking to.
As healthcare is rapidly changing, it is important to keep patients informed about what health insurance options are available. An informed patient is a happy patient.
Tell us how you have prepared to answer your patients questions about ObamaCare? Share your ideas with us by clicking on the comment button below. We’d love to hear from you.
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